The most likely small bird that walks up and down trees is the nuthatch. Nuthatches are small, agile songbirds that can often be spotted walking down trunks and branches of trees headfirst. Their unique ability to move easily in reverse allows them to creep down trees as they search for insects and seeds.
Nuthatch Characteristics
There are several species of nuthatches found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Some common species in North America include:
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Brown-headed Nuthatch
- Pygmy Nuthatch
Nuthatches are small, compact birds, typically between 4-6 inches in length. They have short tails and long, pointed bills. Their coloring varies by species, but they often have gray or blue upperparts and pale underparts.
Some unique features of nuthatches include:
- Ability to climb down trees headfirst – they can do this thanks to very strong feet and claws that allow them to grip bark.
- Short tails that they press against the tree for additional support.
- Nasal, ringing call sounds such as “yank yank.”
Behavior
Nuthatches spend most of their time foraging for food as they move up, down, and across tree trunks and branches. Rather than hopping, they walk methodically along branches probing the bark for hidden insects and larvae. They also frequently hang upside down or sideways as they search crevices.
In terms of diet, nuthatches primarily eat:
- Insects such as beetles, caterpillars, ants
- Spiders
- Nuts and seeds
They use their long, slim beaks to extract insects from crevices. Nuthatches also regularly wedge nuts and seeds into tree bark to anchor them in place as they hammer them open with their bills.
Nuthatches are non-migratory and maintain small territories year-round. They nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, lining their nests with bark, grass, and feathers. Clutches contain 5-9 eggs that are incubated for about two weeks.
Habitat
Nuthatches reside year-round in woodland habitats across much of North America. Good habitats include mature forests, woodlots, and yards or parks with trees. They especially favor areas with a mix of large, old trees (live or dead) that provide holes for nesting and roosting.
Some key tree preferences include:
- Pines
- Oaks
- Maples
- Alders
- Hickories
In terms of range, nuthatches can be found across most of the continental United States and throughout much of Canada. Their range stretches along the East Coast to Florida, throughout the Midwest and Great Plains, and along the West Coast. The Pygmy Nuthatch has a more limited range centered around pine forests in the mountainous western states.
Identification
Nuthatches have a distinctive appearance and behavior that makes them easy to identify, especially as they creep along branches and up and down trunks. Key identification tips include:
- Small size – 4-6 inches in length
- Blue-gray upperparts – variably pale underparts
- Long, pointed bill – about 3/4 inch long
- Short tail – pressed against tree for support
- Distinct black cap and eye stripe (many species)
- Walks down trees headfirst – often hangs upside down
- Nasal, ringing vocalizations
The White-breasted Nuthatch has a black cap and throat, blue-gray upperparts, and whitish underparts. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is blue-gray above with cinnamon underparts. The Pygmy Nuthatch is smaller with a long black eye line and buff-white underparts. Juveniles and females may be duller in color.
Fun Facts
- Nuthatches have specialized feathers on their rear and tail that help repel water and keep them dry and insulated in cold weather.
- They get their name from their habit of wedging nuts into tree bark and then whacking them with their long bills to “hatch” them open.
- Nuthatches maintain territories year-round and may cache up to thousands of seeds in territorial boundaries over the course of a winter.
- The oldest known wild nuthatch was nearly 9 years old when it was recaptured and rereleased during banding studies.
- Nuthatches sometimes smear mud or insects along the entrance of their nest hole, perhaps to deter predators.
Conclusion
In summary, the small bird most likely to be seen walking methodically up and down tree trunks is the nuthatch. Nuthatches are compact, agile songbirds uniquely adapted to moving headfirst down branches and trunks as they search for food. Their distinctive appearance, vocalizations, and habitat preferences make them easy to identify in woodland areas across much of North America. So next time you spot a little blue-gray bird doing acrobatics as it creeps along a tree, chances are it’s a nuthatch!
